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Cannabis found in coal shed

A Cardigan man told police he was ‘glad’ when they discovered cannabis in his coal shed, a court has heard.

Arthur Philip Waring, aged 52, of 13 Ridgeway, pleaded guilty to the production of five cannabis plants when he appeared before Aberystwyth magistrates on Wednesday.

The court heard that police officers went to Waring’s home on April 15, after receiving information that cannabis was being cultivated there.

Peter Lloyd, prosecuting, said: “He cooperated immediately with the police, saying there were plants in the shed. He accepted they were his and said he smokes the fruits of those plants, and they were for his own personal use.”

Alan Lewis, defending, said the five small to medium sized plants were in his client’s coal shed, and had been grown from seed.

When interviewed by police, self-employed Waring said it was stupid to grow the plants, adding: “I’m glad you caught me with them.”

Mr Lewis added: “He does not drink or take medication, he uses cannabis for stress relief. He realises that at 52 years-old he can’t keep coming before the court and is seeking help for issues he has.”

Magistrates find Waring £120 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.